A MAN has been charged with causing the death of his own partner in a road crash.

Phillip Lesley Hall appeared in court yesterday charged with causing the death of Lisa Joanne Hill by careless driving while unfit through drink, together with an alternative charge of causing death by careless driving.

Hall, 37, of Lon yr Orsaf in Mold, is further charged that he caused the death by driving otherwise than in accordance with a driving licence.

He made his first appearance at Flintshire magistrates' court at Mold, where it was decided the case should be tried in the crown court. He will appear before Mold Crown Court at a future date.

The accident, involving a silver Volvo and a red Vauxhall Corsa, happened on the A5118 near Padeswood and Buckley Golf Club at 8.20pm on February 26. Joanne, a passenger in the Volvo, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutor Christine O’Kane did not outline any details of the prosecution case, saying causing death while unfit through drink was a charge that could only be dealt with in crown court.

Defending solicitor Becky Hay indicated that at this stage it would be a not guilty plea.

Following a hearing lasting only minutes, District Judge Andrew Shaw bailed Hall to appear at a preliminary hearing.

At the time of her death, Joanne’s family said the 39-year-old was “a loving mother”. Speaking on behalf of the family, her sister Louise said in February that Joanne “lived for her kids, Nathan, 19, and Charlotte, 13”. She added: “They meant everything to her. They were her life. She was a kind, gentle person who liked gardening and reading. She was looking forward to getting out and doing the garden this spring.

“There is so much we could say about Joanne, but it’s too heartbreaking. We will always remember her with love and affection.”

Joanne, who was brought up in Mold and attended Ysgol Maes Garmon, leaves parents Gerald and Pamela from Bryn Garmon, Mold, and brother Jason, who lives in Wrexham.